On Oct. 21, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is issuing a safety advisory to provide notice and information to owner, operators and passengers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) of the risks and regulations associated with transporting damaged, defective, or recalled lithium cells or batteries or portable electronic devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices recently recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

According to the CPSC, the lithium-ion battery in the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious burn and fire hazard. The recall affects nearly 2 million Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones.

While carrying the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone aboard a CMV by drivers and passengers has not been banned, FMCSA is recommending that all persons who wish to carry these devices on a CMV, including motorcoaches, take the following precautions:

Turn off the device;

Disconnect the device from any charging equipment;

Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone (e.g., alarm clock);

Protect the power switch to prevent its unintentional activation; and

Keep the device in carry-on baggage or on your person. Do not store in an inaccessible baggage compartment.

In accordance with the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR 173.21(b), the transportation of electrical devices, such as batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat, is forbidden, unless packaged in a manner which precludes such an occurrence.

The recalled Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones are subject to this regulatory prohibition and may only be transported by CMV as cargo under the conditions of a Special Permit or Approval issued by PHMSA's Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.

About the American Bus Association

The American Bus Association (ABA) is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry, with more than 1,000 motorcoach and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,800 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.